Description of the Correct Golf Grip

By Matthew Keller

The correct grip will lead to straighter and farther golf shots.

The grip is the only connection a golfer has with the golf club. It plays an integral role in the position of the club face throughout the swing. Therefore, the grip will have an influence on the distance, direction and trajectory of each shot. Practice gripping the club correctly to help lower your scores. The following tips are for a right handed golfer. A left handed player should reverse the instructions.

Grip the Club

The grip should run through the fingers and rest under the thumb pad on the non-dominate hand (left hand for righthanded golfers). Avoid holding the club through your palm. Grip the club with the same tension you would hold an egg. If you hold an egg tightly, it will break. Gripping the club lightly keeps the hands, arms and shoulders from tensing up during the swing. Tense muscles will lead to poor golf shots.

Hand Placement

A “V” is formed between your index finger and thumb on both hands. Place your non-dominate hand on the grip so the index finger wraps under the grip. For a right handed golfer, the “V” on your left hand should point toward your right ear. Place your right hand over the left thumb and underneath the left hand on the grip. The right index finger will wrap around and underneath the grip. The “V” on your right hand should also point toward the right ear. Both "V's" should point toward the same direction to insure your hands are working together throughout the swing.

Types of Grips

The 10-finger grip is just what is sounds like -- all of your fingers touch the handle of the club. This style of holding the club is also referred to as the baseball grip. With the interlocking grip, you intertwine, or lock, the right pinky between the index and middle fingers of your left hand. To hold the club with an overlap grip, place the little finger of your right hand on top of the left index finger or on the gap between the index and middle fingers. The overlap grip is also known as the "Vardon" grip, so named for great British golfer of the late 1800s and early 20th century.

Getting a Grip

Choosing the type of grip comes down to personal preference. The interlocking and overlapping grips give you a feeling of your hands working together throughout the swing. Golfers with smaller hands typically choose the interlocking grip. They also tend to find more control with the 10-finger grip, as do golfers with arthritic hands.

References

About the Author

Matthew Keller has been a PGA Golf Professional for more than 10 years. During that time, he has given thousands of golf lessons and written numerous articles relating to the golf industry. Keller is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Professional Golf Management Program.